Divers experience a mix of excitement and awe when they first see a sunken wreck. The wrecks are not simply a historic vessel on the ocean floor - they are a living ecosystem inhabited by fascinating creatures, from sharks to the tiniest of crabs. Part of the intrigue is the story behind the ship’s demise.
We explore the top five shipwreck diving locations around the world.
1. SS President Coolidge, Vanuatu, South Pacific
Originally, the 650ft-long SS President Coolidge, now at a depth of between 69 and 240 feet, was a luxury cruise liner built in 1931. She was deployed as a troop ship during World War II but was hit by mines in 1942, while carrying more than 5,000 men. She sank within 90 minutes but miraculously, only two lives were lost.
The ship is now renowned among divers, with highlights including the famous statue of a woman riding a unicorn, called The Lady - still resplendent in the first-class dining room - the colourful coral and the diversity of sea-life.
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